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According to a recent report from Yahoo Finance, the average cost of living in the U.S. is $2,216, with rent being a huge factor at hair under $1,400.
That alone will make anyone consider planting roots in another country.
Digital nomads know this more than anyone and make use of their flexible lifestyle gathering new passport stamps whenever they please.
South America is one region of the world with some of the best bang for your buck, whether you’re seeking new cultures, new landscapes, or incredible beaches.
Safety does come into question, however, but that’s not much of concern in Uruguay as the State Department hasn’t updated the advisory since July 2023.
Often considered one of the safest countries in South America, or perhaps all of Latin America, this budget beach haven boasting 400 miles of coastline is the perfect base for digital nomads this winter.
Grand Cityscapes To Quaint Beach Towns
Home to well over 1 million people, Uruguay’s capital city of Montevideo has been an up-and-coming digital nomad destination triggered by its cheap cost of living, cozy cafes, speedy wi-fi, and easy-to-obtain visa.
This pretty city is wonderful to explore, especially if you have your laptop in tow.
There are ample wi-fi equipped bars, restaurants, and cafes to stop and get some work done, and captivating sites like the unmissable Plaza Independencia, the heartbeat of the city, and Mercado del Puerto to get a firsthand look into Uruguayan culture.
The city has become a popular hub for digital nomads where you can experience rich culture and scenic beaches all in one place, but don’t become too magnetized by Montevideo’s charm that you skip out on hundreds of miles of other beautiful beach territory this underrated country has to offer.
Here are 3 other smaller Uruguayan beach towns with welcoming digital nomad communities:
- Punta del Este: small, but action-packed with nice beaches and plentiful bars and restaurants
- La Paloma: more laid-back with Bohemian vibes and a popular spot for surfing
- Piriápolis: arguably the most affordable beach town for digital nomads with stunning architecture and epic coastal views
With 400 miles of sun and sand, you have your pick between laid-back beach towns or the grand cityscape of Montevideo.
Since Uruguay’s ‘Nomad Permit‘ allows up to yearlong stays, you can dabble in both if you like, especially since Montevideo is just 2 hours from Punte del Este, Piriápolis, among others.
Uruguay’s Digital Nomad Visa
Since Uruguay decided to release a digital nomad visa, the often overlooked country has seen a spike in newcomers.
With all the perks of being a digital nomad here, it’s easy to see why. But first, winter is one of the best times to visit, so numbers may increase even more.
Beach weather is still in full force come wintertime when a majority of Americans are forced to pack on extra layers and make use of their seat warmers.
Expect daytime temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s for incredible beach days. But it’s not just the weather that makes Uruguay so enticing.
Circling back to the visa, it’s one of easiest to obtain in the digital nomad realm. Some countries seem to want and arm an a leg, but Uruguay is straightforward with a two-part process:
- Complete an online form and sign affidavit after entering as a tourist
- Once permit is obtained, schedule an appointment with National Civil Identification Office
Simple as that. And don’t worry; there’s no income requirement.
Other Perks
Beyond the tax benefits, which we’ll leave between you and your accountant, Uruguay is incredibly cheap beyond your tax bill.
According to Yahoo Finance, you can easily score a comfortable apartment for just $526. Yeah…try doing that back home…
Not to mention, Uruguay is well equipped with trendy co-working spaces and cafes serving fresh batches of cheap coffee all over the country, but particularly the hotspots listed above with the fastest wi-fi typically found in Montevideo, many of which are speedy fiber optic connections.
In fact, it’s claimed by Uruguay’s government they rank #1 in the following categories:
- Internet speed
- Quality of life
- Democracy and civil liberties
- Low levels of corruption
Ready to move yet?
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.